DO YOU STILL WANT US TO KEEP ONANA WHEN THIS GUY ARRIVED?
In the world of football, change is a constant companion. From transfers that surprise to players who defy expectations, the narrative of a club’s journey is often shaped by key decisions, be they on or off the pitch. One such moment is unfolding at Manchester United, with reports of an impending arrival that could shake up the goalkeeper situation at the club. The signing of a world-class shot stopper for a reported £90 million has sparked intense debate among the fans. With Andre Onana, the current first-choice goalkeeper, making it clear that he won’t be leaving and intends to fight for his spot, the question arises: Do we still want to keep Onana when this guy arrives?
To understand the crux of the matter, we need to look at Andre Onana’s journey at Manchester United, the significance of his position, and how this new signing could impact the squad. We will also delve into the reasons why keeping Onana might still be a good decision despite the incoming competition.
The Rise of Andre Onana
Andre Onana’s move to Manchester United in the summer of 2023 from Ajax was a significant one, not just because of the price tag but also due to the level of expectation attached. Onana was brought in to replace David De Gea, who had been a stalwart in goal for the club for over a decade. De Gea’s departure left a gap that needed to be filled by someone capable of modernizing the goalkeeper role — someone who could be more than just a shot-stopper.
Onana’s strengths are evident. He is renowned for his ability with the ball at his feet, his quick distribution, and his commanding presence in the box. His style of play, often compared to the likes of Manchester City’s Ederson, aligns perfectly with Erik ten Hag’s tactical approach of building from the back. The 2023-2024 season saw Onana grow into his role as a leader at the back, showcasing his confidence and developing an understanding with the defense.
However, Onana’s time at Old Trafford hasn’t been without its challenges. While he’s had standout performances, there have been moments where he’s faced criticism, particularly when it comes to shot-stopping in high-pressure situations. This is part and parcel of the goalkeeper position, but it has also led to questions about whether Onana is truly the long-term answer for a club with Manchester United’s ambitions.
A £90m World-Class Goalkeeper: The Big Arrival
As if the pressure on Onana wasn’t already high enough, reports have now surfaced that Manchester United is about to make a major signing — a world-class goalkeeper for a reported fee of £90 million. The name of this new arrival has yet to be confirmed, but sources suggest that the club is targeting one of Europe’s top talents, someone who could elevate the team’s performance and provide long-term stability in goal.
The impending arrival of a goalkeeper at this level sends a strong signal that Manchester United are aiming to assert their dominance in English and European football. Clubs like Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool have set high standards in terms of having world-class players in every position, including goalkeeper. In the wake of De Gea’s departure, United clearly feels that bolstering this crucial position is a priority.
But what does this mean for Andre Onana? The moment this new goalkeeper steps into the dressing room, it creates an instant competition for the number one spot. Onana may have arrived as the top choice, but if this new arrival is truly world-class, his ability to challenge Onana for the first-team spot is undeniable. And while competition in the squad can be healthy, it can also be a destabilizing factor for the incumbent player.
Onana’s Response: Willing to Fight for His Position
Andre Onana has been clear about his intentions since the rumors about the new signing started circulating. Speaking to the media, Onana confirmed that he was fully aware of the incoming competition but emphasized that he would not be leaving Manchester United. Instead, he expressed his desire to fight for his position in the starting XI, demonstrating a mentality of resilience and confidence.
“I know there’ll be a serious competition next season because the goalkeeper they’re about to sign is very good, but I’m not going anywhere. I’ll fight for my position,” Onana declared.
This statement encapsulates Onana’s mentality and belief in his abilities. It’s a message to both his competitors and the fans: he is here to stay, and he’s ready to face whatever challenge comes his way. For many Manchester United fans, this should be a sign of encouragement. Onana has shown that he has the mentality and character to cope with competition, which is something the club will need in the coming seasons.
Do We Still Want to Keep Onana?
This now brings us to the central question: Do we still want to keep Onana when this world-class goalkeeper arrives?
The answer is far from simple. There are several factors to consider when evaluating the goalkeeper situation at Manchester United.
1. Onana’s Potential for Growth
While Onana has had his fair share of criticism, it’s essential to remember that he’s still relatively young for a goalkeeper. At 27, Onana has several years left in his prime, and his skill set is one that could continue to improve under the right guidance. The arrival of a new, world-class goalkeeper could push him to refine his craft further. Competition often breeds improvement, and Onana could use the presence of a top-tier competitor as a catalyst for his own growth.
Moreover, Erik ten Hag knows Onana well from their time at Ajax and has placed a great deal of trust in him. This connection between manager and player is valuable, and it’s possible that Ten Hag’s system, which places an emphasis on ball-playing goalkeepers, could help Onana continue to develop in areas where he’s shown inconsistency.
2. Onana’s Leadership and Character
Another reason to keep Onana is his leadership. He’s shown that he’s not just a player, but someone who can command the defense and lead from the back. In modern football, having a goalkeeper who can organize the defense, shout instructions, and lead by example is invaluable. Onana has the potential to be that leader, and it would be a shame to lose someone with that level of character.
3. The Financial Aspect of the Deal
Onana was signed for a significant fee, and selling him for less than what Manchester United paid could be seen as a financial loss. With the club having already invested heavily in him, it’s likely they would want to give him a full opportunity to prove himself before moving on to a new goalkeeper. Having spent such a large sum to secure Onana, Manchester United would likely prefer to keep him for the long term unless the new signing is a truly exceptional talent who justifies an immediate swap.
4. The New Signing’s Impact
The arrival of a world-class goalkeeper is undoubtedly an exciting prospect, but it also carries risk. There’s always the possibility that the new signing may not adapt to the Premier League or to the demands of Manchester United’s playing style. Even the best goalkeepers sometimes struggle to settle in, and Onana has already had a season to adjust. If this new arrival faces difficulties early on, having Onana as a reliable backup could be crucial.
Moreover, there’s the possibility that both goalkeepers could be used in rotation, especially if the club is competing in multiple competitions. Onana’s willingness to fight for his spot could mean that both keepers will get significant playing time, offering United flexibility and depth in the goalkeeper position.
Conclusion: Keep Onana or Not?
Ultimately, the decision about whether Manchester United should keep Onana or move him on in favor of the new signing is a nuanced one. There’s no doubt that the club is aiming to strengthen their squad with a world-class goalkeeper, but that doesn’t necessarily mean Onana should be discarded.
If Onana continues to grow, prove his worth, and fight for his position, there’s no reason why both goalkeepers couldn’t coexist. The competition could elevate the performance of both players, and Onana’s leadership and experience within the team would remain valuable assets. Furthermore, United’s long-term plans could benefit from maintaining a strong, competitive environment at every level, including in goal.
In the end, Manchester United’s success isn’t determined by just one player or one position. While the signing of a world-class goalkeeper will undoubtedly raise the stakes, Andre Onana’s character and potential should make us seri
ously consider the benefits of keeping him for the long haul.
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